Are we 'bad science' junkies?
Monday 10 March 2008
How good are we at judging what's risky to our health? Some of our perceptions of risk in our diet fly in the face of science, according to a new survey by the Food Standards Agency. The snapshot survey looked at how consumers perceive the risks associated with various food issues in comparison with the scientific evidence.
The results show people's opinions about food and risk in relation to bird flu, raw milk and genetically modified food, and whose advice they are more likely to trust on health issues. Read the press release at the link below for more information about the survey.
The survey was conducted for the first meeting of the Agency's new and independent General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS). The meeting, which is being held tomorrow, will be chaired by respected British neuroscientist Professor Colin Blakemore. In the afternoon GACS will be holding an open panel debate to look at the question 'Should we trust what scientists say about food?' The debate is being held as part of National Science and Engineering Week and panellists will include the Guardian’s 'Bad Science' columnist Ben Goldacre.
The overall purpose of GACS is to offer independent challenge and advice on how the Agency collects and uses scientific evidence. The membership of the committee includes 13 expert members and two lay members.
More information on the GACS panel debate can be found at the link below.